Standardized tests hold back progress

CONGRATULATIONS TO Jay Mathews for getting into print what lots of us have been saying for years - that students abroad, as it turns out, are not outperforming Americans. Our schools do in fact produce students who are creative and know how to think. Educators from all over the world visit our quality schools to learn how we do that.

However, since the implementation of the high-stakes MCAS and No Child Left Behind, we have been systemically undermining the strengths of our best schools. We can't afford to continue making our diverse schools serve the master of one-size-fits-all standardized testing. Let's take the millions of dollars now lining the pockets of testing companies and focus our efforts and resources on helping low-performing schools improve.

We do take issue with Mathews on one point. Though some schools serving poor children are "truly awful," as Mathews writes, some are quite good, doing their best to make up for poverty's overwhelming impact on readiness and ability to learn. It's time to support their efforts by putting our education resources to work where they are most needed and ensuring that all children get a quality education.

MARILYN J. SEGAL
Director
Citizens for Public Schools
Boston